On March 18, 2026, the Scientific Research Center “Youth” hosted an expert discussion on the structure of the National Report “Youth of Kazakhstan – 2026”, focusing on key changes in Kazakhstan’s youth environment and new approaches to shaping the analytical agenda in the field of state youth policy.
The event brought together representatives of government agencies, the expert community, research centers, international organizations, non-governmental sector representatives, and youth associations.
Opening remarks were delivered by Kambarov K., Chairman of the Committee for Youth and Family Affairs under the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who emphasized the importance of the National Report as a key analytical instrument that enables timely identification of current changes and supports evidence-based policymaking.
Director of the Scientific Research Center “Youth” G. Nakhbayeva noted that the National Report “Youth of Kazakhstan” remains a major research platform that annually captures emerging social processes within the youth environment and adapts the analytical agenda to current state priorities.
The comparative logic behind the document’s evolution since 2013 was presented by A. Dmitriyeva, Head of the Analysis and Communications Department of the Center, who highlighted that the 2026 structure has been developed taking into account new youth trends, including artificial intelligence, digital security, career trajectories, value shifts, and transformations in youth social behavior models.
Addressing demographic indicators, A. Sagynbayeva, Head of the Center for Analysis and Forecasting of Demographic Processes under the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, emphasized that current population dynamics largely shape the long-term contours of the youth environment.
A separate expert focus was placed on youth value orientations, with A. Zabirova, Chief Research Fellow at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, stressing that youth value systems are becoming one of the most sensitive indicators of societal change.
Voznyak, Candidate of Legal Sciences and Senior Teaching Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University, positively noted the inclusion of the digital dimension in the report’s structure, emphasizing the relevance of analyzing social vulnerability, legal literacy, and new risk factors affecting youth.
During the discussion, participants thoroughly reviewed the draft structure of the report, including its new thematic blocks, noting that contemporary youth processes are increasingly shaped by globalization, digitalization, labor market changes, and transformations in public attitudes.
It was also emphasized that the research component will incorporate narratives outlined by the Head of State within the framework of the Fundamental Principles, Values, and Directions of the Domestic Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including responsibility, diligence, professionalism, civic engagement, and constructive participation in the country’s development.
Following the discussion, participants underlined the importance of further strengthening the scientific and analytical support of youth policy and deepening the study of emerging youth values under current social transformations.
It should be noted that the National Report “Youth of Kazakhstan” has been prepared annually by the Scientific Research Center “Youth” since 2013. In 2026, work is underway on the preparation of the 14th edition of the National Report. The Center remains the only specialized research institution in Kazakhstan that systematically conducts comprehensive analysis of youth well-being, social position, and the dynamics of the youth environment nationwide.
